Open to Life

In this heartfelt episode, Melanie shares her journey through motherhood, her work in pro-life advocacy, her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences, and her ongoing journey in birth work and hormone health coaching. She reflects on the challenges and blessings of motherhood, her professional endeavors, and her spiritual insights. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opent...

In this heartfelt interview, Mary Bruno shares her journey through infertility, her work in fertility awareness, and her inspiring perspective on spiritual motherhood and God's purpose for women. Discover insights on natural family planning, medical treatments, and embracing God's plan amidst life's challenges. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com...

What if your body isn’t something to fix—but a gift to trust? In this episode, Dr. Victoria shares her journey from disordered eating and control to deep healing through surrendering her body to God. Together, we unpack how culture distorts our view of beauty, aging, and fertility—and how those lies can lead to anxiety, burnout, and body shame. You’ll learn how to reconnect with your body through...

This episode explores the intersection of pro-life activism, urban planning, and social justice, featuring insights on human dignity, transportation justice, and effective advocacy strategies. The guest shares personal stories, practical ideas for building better communities, and arguments for pro-life values as a progressive cause. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentoli...

This episode explores the profound story of justice for the five babies discovered four years ago, the significance of the Day of the Unborn Child and the Feast of the Annunciation, and reflections on faith, justice, and activism. Melanie shares personal insights, the story behind the discovery, and calls for ongoing advocacy for preborn children. Learn more Jfor5.com Top 7 Fertility & Women’s...

In this episode, Melanie shares her journey into birth work, her experiences supporting a birth for the first time, and reflections on sidewalk outreach in seasons as a mother. This episode offers insights into the challenges and joys of being a birth worker and pro-life advocate, emphasizing courage and faith. Top 7 Fertility & Women’s Health Resources → https://opentolife.kit.com/freefam7  ...

In this special one-year anniversary episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie reflects on her journey over the past year, discussing personal growth, the challenges of navigating life transitions, and her experiences as a birth doula. She shares insights on alternative medicine for children's health, her thoughts on menstruation and fertility awareness, and the importance of breaking the s...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar speaks with Katherine, the author of The Sanctified Womb, about her journey into motherhood, faith, and women's health. Katherine shares her personal experiences with fertility, birth, and the challenges women face in navigating these topics within the church. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Ellen Holloway discusses her journey into Catholic sex and intimacy education, emphasizing the importance of understanding female anatomy and pleasure. She shares her personal experiences with sex and intimacy, the transition from natural family planning (NFP) to intimacy coaching, and the significance of church teachings in guiding couples towards fulf...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar interviews Emily Kirkwold, a pharmacist and advocate for Natural Family Planning (NFP). They discuss Emily's journey to becoming an NFP pharmacist, the misconceptions surrounding NFP, and the importance of body literacy in women's health. Emily shares her insights on the nuances of birth control, the empowerment that comes from u...

In this episode, Melanie reflects on her experiences and achievements in 2025, sharing insights from her vision board, including travel, personal growth, and the launch of her podcast. She discusses the challenges of motherhood, her pro-life activism, and her journey towards self-care and mental health. Looking ahead to 2026, she outlines her goals for personal and professional development, includ...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar shares her journey of moving to a new neighborhood in San Francisco, reflecting on her pro-life work, personal struggles, and aspirations for the future. She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with her advocacy work, her experiences in doula training, and her desire to build a supportive community. As she prepares for a bre...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar interviews Sarah Bartel, a Catholic moral theologian and sex and marriage coach. They discuss her journey into moral theology, the challenges of balancing motherhood and ministry, and misconceptions about Catholic teachings on marriage and sexuality, including marital debt. The conversation highlights the role of body literacy, fertility...

In this episode, Melanie Salazar shares personal updates about her family, including her son's development and her recent travels for pro-life advocacy. She discusses her experiences in various countries, highlighting the challenges of promoting pro-life messages abroad. Additionally, she delves into her journey in fertility education and holistic health, exploring her training in natural fami...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Cassidy, a passionate pro-life advocate, discusses the moral implications of contraception and its impact on society. She shares her personal journey and the importance of viewing children as blessings rather than burdens. The conversation explores biblical perspectives on fertility, the connection between pro-life advocacy and anti-contraception stance...

In this episode of Open to Life , Melanie Salazar sits down with Felipe Avila , a pro-life nurse, activist, and Mexican-American, to explore the intersection of healthcare, cultural identity, and the consistent life ethic. Felipe shares his journey from student activism with Students for Life of America to his current work with the National Association of Pro-Life Nurses , offering insights into w...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar speaks with Colleen Ritz, an herbalist and women's health coach, about the intersection of herbalism and Catholicism. They explore how herbal remedies can support women's health throughout various life stages, including preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Colleen emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body with...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar interviews Gina, a womb circle facilitator and retreat guide, who shares her journey of reclaiming feminine wisdom and spirituality within a Catholic context. They discuss the importance of cultural heritage in birth practices, the significance of the menstrual cycle, and the concept of feminine genius. Gina emphasizes the need for women...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Melanie Salazar speaks with Emily Frase, co-founder of FAbM Base, a nonprofit organization focused on making fertility education accessible and authentic. They discuss the founding of FAbM Base, the importance of understanding women's health, and the challenges of navigating NFP (Natural Family Planning) and secondary infertility. Emily shares her p...

In this episode, Melanie Salazar speaks with Christina Valenzuela, the creator of Pearl and Thistle, about the importance of body literacy and fertility awareness. They discuss the mission of Pearl and Thistle, and the need for open conversations about menstruation and fertility. Christina emphasizes the significance of educating young girls about their bodies and the role of natural family planni...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, host Melanie Salazar speaks with Jenny Thompson, a pro-life Catholic doula, about her journey into birth work, the impact of C-sections, and the importance of supporting mothers through their birth experiences. They discuss the role of faith in birth work, the realities of postpartum mental health, and the significance of being open to life, especially...

In this conversation, Melanie Salazar and Brigid Tebaldi discuss the profound impact of birth trauma on mothers and the healing process. Brigid, a coach specializing in helping women recover from traumatic birth experiences, shares her insights on the importance of faith, understanding trauma, and the role of somatic healing. They explore the cultural misconceptions surrounding birth and motherhoo...

In this conversation, Christian Alan discusses the importance of embracing life, particularly in the context of unexpected pregnancies and the pro-life movement. He emphasizes the need for storytelling to convey the value of life and the cultural influences that shape perspectives on this issue, especially within Latino communities. The dialogue explores the challenges of advocating for pro-life m...

This conversation explores the similarities and differences between pro-life movements in the United States and Mexico, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, representation, and cultural understanding. The speakers discuss their experiences in activism, the role of youth, and the need for a unified approach to advocating for life. They also highlight the unique aspects of pro-life marches i...

In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, host Melanie welcomes her first guest, Jessica, a registered nurse and nutrition expert. They discuss focusing on preparing for healthy conception, the importance of feeling safe in the reproductive process, and the roles of sleep, digestion, and hydration in overall health. Jessica shares insights on breastfeeding challenges, hormone testing, and the i...